Launch Your Legal Career with the Defense Health Agency
Are you looking to transition your paralegal expertise into a high-impact federal role? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently recruiting for a Paralegal Specialist to serve in their Office of General Counsel. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a major federal healthcare system at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. If you possess the drive to support legal operations that affect the health of millions of military personnel and their families, this may be the perfect next step in your career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Paralegal Specialist, you will act as a key support pillar for the legal team. Your core duties will include:
- Legal Research: Navigating statutory, regulatory, and administrative precedents to inform legal strategies.
- Drafting and Analysis: Preparing legal opinions, pleadings, and memorandums concerning healthcare law and government ethics.
- Litigation Support: Coordinating with military medical treatment facilities and network attorneys to handle appeals and peer review hearings.
- Ethics Oversight: Managing and administering ethics programs under the supervision of senior network attorneys.
- Witness Coordination: Conducting interviews and gathering information necessary for resolving complex legal matters.
Comparison: Private Sector vs. Federal Legal Support
| Feature | Private Law Firm | Federal DHA Role |
|---|---|---|
| Work-Life Balance | High demand, long hours | Structured, stable schedule |
| Benefits | Firm-dependent | Standard federal comprehensive package |
| Impact | Client-focused/Profit-driven | Mission-driven/Service-focused |
| Career Growth | Merit-based/Promotional | Structured/Tenure-based |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria, including:
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level.
- Education: A Ph.D., LL.M., or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in a relevant field.
- Status: Proof of eligibility to apply under established federal hiring authorities.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Salary Overview
The salary for this GS-11 position ranges from $85,447 to $111,087 per year, depending on qualifications and locality adjustments. Successful candidates may be eligible for salary and leave accrual negotiations if they are new to the federal workforce.
Benefits
Employees of the DHA enjoy a robust federal benefits package:
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
- Federal retirement contributions (FERS).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Do not exceed the two-page limit. Federal HR staff will not review longer documents.
- Clear Documentation: Include employer names, dates (MM/YYYY), and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Assessments: Be prepared to take the USA Hire assessments. These are mandatory and have a strict 48-hour completion window after the announcement closes.
- Proof of Eligibility: Ensure your SF-50s or veterans' preference documents are up to date and attached.
This Paralegal Specialist role at the Defense Health Agency is a fantastic opportunity for legal professionals looking to apply their skills in a mission-critical federal environment. With a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to support military health initiatives, this role is highly desirable. Review your credentials, polish your two-page resume, and submit your application via USAJobs today.
Why This Paralegal Specialist Job Matters
Advance your career in defense law—join the Defense Health Agency as a Paralegal Specialist and support mission-critical healthcare initiatives.
Paralegal Specialist Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a dedicated Paralegal Specialist to join the Office of General Counsel at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this role, you will provide vital legal support, conduct in-depth research, and assist attorneys in navigating complex healthcare and administrative legal matters that impact the readiness and wellbeing of millions of service members and their families.
Requirements for Paralegal Specialist
- U.S. Citizenship.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent.
- Completion of a Ph.D., equivalent doctoral degree, or three full years of graduate education in a related field (e.g., Law, Political Science, Public Policy).
- Current status under a valid federal employment authority (e.g., current DoD employee, VEOA, Military Spouse preference).
- Successful completion of a one-year probationary period.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Paralegal Specialist
- Proven experience conducting complex legal research on statutory and regulatory precedents.
- Strong background in drafting legal opinions, pleadings, and memorandums.
- Experience in administrative law or healthcare-related legal environments.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with witnesses and agency officials.
- Proficiency in managing ethics programs and identifying potential conflicts of interest.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay.
- ✓Comprehensive federal healthcare, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
- ✓Paid time off, federal holidays, and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements, including potential telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Paralegal Specialist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Paralegal Specialist Job
- Prepare a concise, two-page maximum resume highlighting specialized experience.
- Complete the online application questionnaire via the USAJobs portal.
- Submit all required documentation, including transcripts (if qualifying by education) and SF-50 forms (if a current federal employee).
- Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments within 48 hours of notification.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJobs account.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically disqualified.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid obscure acronyms.
- Clearly link your work experience to the specialized tasks mentioned in the job duties.
- Verify your eligibility authority before applying and attach all corresponding proof documents.
- Start the application early to ensure you have time for the online assessments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is telework-eligible, subject to agency policy and manager approval.
What is the security clearance level required?
This position requires a Secret-level security clearance and is classified as noncritical-sensitive/moderate risk.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary and leave accrual negotiation may be available for candidates new to the Federal service.
What is the work location?
The position is based in Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Is there a probation period?
Yes, all new appointees must serve a one-year probationary period.
Who can apply?
Current federal employees and those eligible under special hiring authorities (Veterans, Military Spouses, etc.) are encouraged to apply.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is a vital component of the Department of Defense. Operating as an integrated healthcare system, the DHA provides comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. As a strategic partner to the Joint Force, the agency builds medical readiness and ensures high-quality care worldwide.